, Sir; and such as you must
excuse me if I decline talking of.'

'I am told you have papers that put it out of dispute. If you would
favour me with a sight of them, perhaps I could give you some insight
into the proceedings you should commence; and I am sure my friendship
and regard would make any service I could do you a real satisfaction to
myself.'

'I thank you, Sir, for your professions. The papers in question are in
the hands of Mr. Newton of Lincolns Inn. If he will allow you to see
them I have no objection.'

'You intend then,' said James Crofts, unable entirely to conceal his
chagrin--'you intend to begin a suit with my Lord Montreville?'

'By no means, Sir. I am persuaded there will be no necessity for it. But
as you have just referred Mrs. Stafford to a lawyer, I must beg leave to
say, that if _you_ have any questions to ask you must apply to mine.'

James Crofts, quite disconcerted notwithstanding his presumptuous
assurance, was not ready with an answer; and Emmeline, who doubted not
that he was sent by his father to gain what intelligence he could, was
so provoked, that not conceiving herself obliged to preserve the
appearance of civility to a man she despised, she left him in possession
of the room, from whence Mrs. Stafford had a few moments before
departed. He therefore was obliged to withdraw; having found his attempt
to shake the integrity of Le Limosin as fruitless as that he had made to
get sight of the papers.

He had not long been gone, when a servant brought to Emmeline the
following note.--


    'I have heard you are in town with Mrs. Stafford, and beg leave
  to wait on you. Do not, _ma douce amie_, refuse to grant me this
  favour. Besides the happiness of seeing you and your friend, I have
  another very particular reason for soliciting you to grant such an
  indulgence to

                                                    GEORGE FITZ-EDWARD.

    'I write this from a neighbouring coffee-house, where I expect
  your answer.'


Emmeline immediately carried this billet to Mrs. Stafford; who told her
there was no reason why she should refuse the request it contained. She
therefore wrote a card of compliment to Colonel Fitz-Edward, signifying
that she should be glad to see him.

In a few moments Fitz-Edward appeared; and Emmeline, tho' aware of his
arrival, could not receive him without confusion and emotion. Nor could
she without pity behold
